There’s something very special about listening to live music while enjoying fine food and drink. It’s not often how we do things in the modern world, partly because we seldom have time to really savour what we are served up. Perhaps part of the pleasure is that it harks back to a time when life was a little slower and a little more refined.
And so we find ourselves, ensconced in a comfy corner of The Court at The Caledonian Edinburgh, savouring a glass of Laurent Perrier’s finest as we enjoy the jazz pianist and await the arrival of afternoon tea. We’re here for The Court Social Afternoon Tea Edition, part of a series of events hosted in the hub of this grand old hotel.
As you might expect, this is a traditional afternoon tea, starting with a plate of trimmed sandwiches filled with delights like smoked salmon and dill crème fraiche, coronation chicken and truffled egg mayo, along with a dainty cheese and onion tart. It’s a substantial portion and as the impressive stand of sweet treats arrive I suspect that my children might be in luck when I return home this evening.
My pot of Cloud Catcher tea, a fruity infusion packed with coconut, berries and kiwi flavours by Edinburgh’s own PekoeTea was recommended by more than one member of staff and it was a revelation. Deliciously bright and refreshing it really was a hug in a mug, or in this case a dainty wee China tea cup.
Nestled at the bottom of the stand are a pair of scones each. One is made with buttermilk and pairs perfectly with the blueberry jam, the other is a London fog scone, flavoured with bergamot and citrus which works like a charm with the superb mandarin curd. Both are then also crowned with a generous blob of clotted cream, which should probably go without saying.
Pride of place in the centre of the sweet stand is a glorious Paris-Brest to share. It’s crisp, yet chewy, with flavours of coconut and caramel. It is supported by a bright orange sea buckthorn and passion fruit macaron, which is sweet and tart in equal measure, a light lemon and poppyseed Madeleine, a slice of Gateau Opera flavoured with chocolate, matcha and sesame, as well as a chocolate tart with pistachio and a Canele de Bordeaux with an unusual, but enjoyable, smoked vanilla ganache.
The Champagne is still flowing and the ivories are still being skilfully tickled as we box up the cakes that we can’t quite manage to finish and head back into the bustling city centre. But there’s no doubt that we feel the benefit of having spent a few hours savouring some of the finer things in life and appreciating the beautifully crafted pastry selection, along with each other’s company. Sometimes the old ways really are the best.
Traditional Afternoon Tea at The Court costs £65 per adult & £30 per child (Aged 12 & under)
The Court at The Caledonian Edinburgh, Princes Street, Edinburgh EH1 2AB. www.hilton.com
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